Losing someone you love is never easy. And when it comes time to decide where to scatter their ashes, you want everything to feel right—meaningful, peaceful, and yes, legal.
California offers some of the most breathtaking places imaginable for a final goodbye. Ocean sunsets. Towering redwoods. Mountain peaks. But here’s what most people don’t realize: there are specific rules you need to follow, permits you need to get, and restrictions you need to know about.
Don’t worry—this guide walks you through everything, step by step, so you can focus on honoring your loved one instead of stressing about paperwork.
Quick Navigation: Spreading Ashes in California
Is-Spreading-Ashes-Legal-in-California?
The One Permit You Always Need
Where You Can Spread Ashes in California
Where Scattering Ashes is Prohibited
What Happens if you Dispose of Ashes without Permission?
Who Gets to Decide?
What Does it Cost?
The Hidden Costs of DIY Scattering
Is spreading ashes legal in California?
Yes, absolutely. But there’s a catch.
You can’t just show up at your favorite beach with an urn and release ashes in the wind. California law requires you to follow certain rules to protect public health and the environment.
Here’s what matters most: cremated remains must be scattered so they’re not visible to the public. That means no leaving ashes in a pile, no permanent containers sitting on a beach, and definitely no urns propped against a tree.
The one permit you always need
Before you scatter anywhere in California, you need a VS-9 Disposition Permit.
This is your state-issued green light for scattering ashes. Without it, you’re technically breaking the law—even if you’re scattering ashes on your own property.
How to get your VS-9 permit
It’s actually pretty straightforward:
- Get the death certificate (your cremation provider usually handles this)
- Contact your county’s Vital Records office (where the death occurred)
- Apply for the VS-9 permit with the death certificate in hand
- Pay the small fee (usually around $12)
- Specify where you’ll scatter (they’ll note it on the permit)
The whole process typically takes just a few days. Start this early—you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute. See this example so you know what’s needed.
Did you know? When you arrange Everis’s Complete Cremation Package, everything’s included. Beyond carbon-neutral cremation you get a Nature Memorial ceremony, a resting place in Spreading Grove and all permits handled for you—including five death certificates and the VS-9 permit required to legally scatter ashes. Choose from twelve Memorial Forests nationwide, all permanently protected. If you’re already holding a loved one’s ashes, our Memorial Tree service handles everything from permits to ceremony.
Where can you spread ashes in California?
This is where things get interesting. California gives you options, but each location has its own rules on top of the VS-9 permit.
Private property
Scattering on private property is usually the easiest route, especially if it’s your own land. No extra permits, no waiting periods, no restricted zones.
What you need:
- Your VS-9 permit (always required)
- Written permission from the property owner (if it’s not your land)
- Compliance with local ordinances
If you’re scattering on someone else’s property—like a family cabin or a friend’s ranch—you’re required by law to get permission in writing. A simple signed letter works fine.
What the permission letter should include:
- Date and full property address
- Property owner’s name
- Clear statement: “I give permission to scatter [person’s name]’s ashes”
- Where on the property you’ll scatter
- Date of the ceremony
- A note that you’ll comply with local ordinances
This is just a one-time permission for scattering, you won’t have guaranteed access rights, especially if the property gets sold or developed.
Ocean scattering
Ocean scattering is popular for a reason—it feels like a natural way to say goodbye.
What you need:
- Your VS-9 permit
- A boat (or hire a charter service)
The rules are strict:
- Must be at least 3 nautical miles from shore (per the EPA)
- No scattering from beaches, piers, or bridges
- Remove ashes from the container first (or use a biodegradable urn)
- Only human ashes—no mixing in pet remains
- Everything you release must be biodegradable (flowers, wreaths, etc.)
One more thing: Within 30 days, you need to report the burial to the EPA using their online Burial at Sea Reporting Tool. Most charter services handle this for you, which is honestly worth the cost.
Scattering by air
Want to scatter ashes from the air? It’s legal in California—and it can be a beautiful way to say goodbye from above.
What you need:
- Your VS-9 permit (always required)
- FAA approval (charter services handle this)
- A professional pilot familiar with scattering regulations
- Proper equipment (ash-scattering tubes, not containers)
The route must avoid populated areas, airports, and navigable waters. Most people hire a professional service—it’s safer and they know all the rules.
City and regional parks
Every city and county handles this differently. Some have designated memorial areas for scattering. Others prohibit it entirely.
Call the local parks and recreation department to find out what’s allowed. If scattering is permitted, you’ll need their written approval plus your VS-9 permit.
Want to skip the hassle? Everis manages all permits and paperwork, and provides a protected forest location where ash scattering is fully legal. Explore your options
State parks
California’s state parks are stunning. They’re also pretty particular about ash scattering.
What you need:
- Your VS-9 permit
- A park-specific scattering permit
Each park has its own application process, and you’ll typically need to write and/or submit an application to the park’s supervisor. Apply at least 4-6 weeks ahead. See example application
Where you CAN’T scatter:
- On or near hiking trails
- Near water sources (lakes, streams, drinking water)
- At archaeological or Native American sites
- In designated wilderness areas
What you CAN’T do:
- Leave any plaques or memorials
- Leave urns or containers behind
- Create any permanent markers
The park will usually assign a designated scattering area—so you might not be able to scatter at your favorite hiking spot or viewpoint.
Is this getting complicated? Everis handles every permit, every form, and gives you a beautiful forest location where scattering is already approved. Learn more
National parks and forests
Federal lands follow similar rules to state parks, but now you’re dealing with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management.
What you need:
- Your VS-9 permit
- A Federal Special Use Permit
Expect to pay an application fee (typically $50-$150) and wait 2-6 weeks for approval. The superintendent or authorized officer must approve your request in writing.
Is it worth it for Yosemite or Joshua Tree? Maybe. But be prepared for complexity.
Did you know? Everis has four stunning Memorial Forest locations in Yosemite Gateway, Lake Arrowhead, Santa Cruz and Point Arena. Each protected forest is of high conservation value, supporting wildlife, and offering a natural resting place with ongoing forest stewardship.
Memorial Forests
Here’s the option most people don’t know about: dedicated Memorial Forests designed specifically for spreading ashes. Instead of tombstones in cemeteries, your loved one’s ashes become part of a forest ecosystem—protected forever through conservation.
Thousands of families trust Everis for compassionate cremation services and nature-connected memorials where everything is handled for you. No bureaucracy, no applications, no wondering if you’re following the rules.
Why they’re worth considering:
- All permits and permissions are handled for you
- Memorial forests are legally conserved land that can never be developed
- Exact GPS coordinates are recorded forever
- Perpetual access rights for your family
- Personalized memorial markers mark your place
- Professional care and maintenance included
Everis has four California locations:
- Point Arena Memorial Forest (Mendocino County)
- Santa Cruz Memorial Forest (Santa Cruz County)
- Yosemite Gateway (Madera County)
- Lake Arrowhead (San Bernardino County)
Where scattering ashes is prohibited
Some places are completely off-limits, no matter what:
Inland waterways
Per the California Health and Safety Code, no scattering is allowed in:
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Streams
- Reservoirs
Why? Many are drinking water sources, and enclosed water doesn’t disperse remains like the ocean does. It’s a public health issue.
Shorelines and beaches
Per the California Health and Safety Code, no scattering is allowed in:
- Beaches
- Piers
- Bridges
- 500 feet from the shoreline (both directions)
- Anywhere within 3 nautical miles of shore (per the EPA)
That beautiful sunset ceremony right on the beach? Not allowed. You need to be out on the water, at least 3 miles offshore.
What happens if you dispose of ashes without permission?
California law treats improper ash disposal seriously. Violations can result in:
- Misdemeanor charges
- Fines ranging from $250 to $10,000 depending on the violation
- Up to six months imprisonment for some offenses
- Trespassing charges if done on private property without permission
Need ash scattering services? Talk to an Everis licensed funeral guide 24/7 who will provide transparent pricing and compassionate guidance.
Who gets to decide where ashes are spread?
California law is clear about who has the authority to make this decision:
- First priority: Someone designated by the deceased in writing (like in their will)
- Second: Surviving spouse or domestic partner
- Third: Majority of adult children
- Fourth: Surviving parents
- Fifth: Majority of adult siblings
Whoever has this authority can designate someone else to actually do the scattering. Licensed funeral staff and crematory employees can also scatter ashes with proper authorization.
If there’s family disagreement, legal authority follows this order. It’s worth sorting this out early to avoid conflict during an already difficult time.
What does ash spreading cost?
It’s no secret that funeral expenses can add up fast.
Costs:
- Cremation: $1,500-$3,000
- VS-9 permit: ~$12
- Park permits: Varies (usually free to $150)
- Ocean charter service: $300-$2,000+ depending on boat size
- Aerial scattering service: $500-$3,000+
- Memorial Tree: Starting at $5,900 ( includes ongoing care)
- Complete Cremation Arrangements: $4,150 (includes carbon-neutral cremation, Nature Memorial ceremony and resting place in Spreading Grove in a Memorial Forest)
The DIY route (private property or your own boat) is cheapest. Professional services cost more but handle the logistics and legal requirements.
The hidden costs of DIY scattering
Here’s what people don’t realize about scattering ashes themselves:
No permanent place to return
Once you scatter, that’s it. There’s no specific spot to visit, no coordinates to share with family, no marker to identify the location years later.
Limited access or no access:
Scattered in a state park? You can visit, but only during park hours, and you might not even remember the exact spot. The land can change—trails get rerouted, areas close for restoration.
If scattered on private property, what happens when that property sells? Your access rights disappear.
No permanent memorial:
When you scatter ashes yourself, you typically can’t place a marker or memorial at the site.
Logistics:
Navigating the permits, permissions, and regulations for DIY ash scattering can be complicated and time-consuming.
Forever-protected in nature
Memorial Forests solve these problems by giving you permanent, protected access with recorded coordinates.
How Memorial Forests compare to other options
| Memorial Forest vs. Ash Scattering | Memorial Forest vs. DIY Tree Burials | Memorial Forest vs. National Forest |
| Memorial Forest:Your exact location is recorded and protected forever—visit anytime, know precisely where your loved one rests, with guaranteed permanence. | Memorial Forest:Professional soil mixing ensures ashes nourish the forest; conservation easements protect trees; expert care maintains ecosystem health. | Memorial Forest:All permissions handled; memorial markers allowed; dedicated spaces for remembrance within protected forests; always accessible to families. |
| Ash Scattering:One-time dispersal with no specific place to return; restricted in parks. | DIY Tree Burial:Cremation ashes can damage trees without proper pH neutralization. | National Forest:Often prohibited; no memorialization allowed; permits can be complex. |
Memorial Forests offer diverse ways to create lasting tributes from dedicated Memorial Trees to shared Spreading Groves.
Talk to an Everis licensed funeral guide 24/7 who will provide transparent pricing and compassionate guidance to help determine if an ash spreading in a Memorial Forest is right for you.
